What are the causes of functional dyspepsia?

Sep 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

Functional dyspepsia is not caused by organic diseases; its origins are often intertwined with gastric electrical rhythm disturbances, decreased visceral sensory thresholds, Helicobacter pylori colonization, emotional stress, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. The main clinical manifestations include epigastric discomfort, postprandial fullness, early satiety, and belching. If symptoms fail to improve after four weeks of lifestyle modifications and standardized medication, patients should return for re-evaluation.

Functional dyspepsia is not caused by organic lesions; its origins are often intertwined with gastric electrical rhythm disturbances, reduced visceral sensory thresholds, Helicobacter pylori colonization, emotional stress, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Clinically, it primarily manifests as epigastric dull pain, postprandial fullness, early satiety, and belching.

1. Delayed Gastric Emptying and Electrical Rhythm Disturbances
Weakened antral motility and slowed electrical pacing frequency can prolong food retention, triggering feelings of fullness and discomfort. Prokinetic agents such as domperidone, mosapride, and itopride can accelerate gastric emptying and alleviate symptoms.

2. Visceral Hypersensitivity
Amplification of gastrointestinal distension signals in the central nervous system causes normal levels of tension to be perceived as pain or burning. Smooth muscle relaxants such as trimebutine, pinaverium bromide, and otilonium bromide can reduce visceral sensitivity.

3. Helicobacter pylori Infection
Mucosal inflammation mediated by this bacterium and imbalances in gastric acid secretion can impair digestive function. Standard quadruple therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, bismuth, and a proton pump inhibitor) for eradication may improve symptoms in some patients.

4. Emotional and Neuroregulatory Imbalance
Anxiety, depression, or chronic stress affect autonomic nerve function via the brain-gut axis, lowering pain thresholds. Low-dose flupentixol-melitracen, paroxetine, or escitalopram can help restore neurotransmitter balance.

5. Dietary and Behavioral Factors
Eating too quickly, consuming high-fat meals, smoking, alcohol use, and irregular作息 increase the burden on the stomach. It is recommended to chew food thoroughly, reduce intake of fried foods and carbonated beverages, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain regular physical activity and adequate sleep.

If symptoms persist despite four weeks of lifestyle modifications and standardized medication, patients should return for re-evaluation. Endoscopy or functional testing may be necessary to rule out underlying organic diseases.

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Why does it feel like something is pressing inside the stomach right after eating, and what should I do about it?

In general, the main causes of feeling a sensation of blockage in the stomach after eating include eating too quickly, an improper diet structure, functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, and gastric polyps. Patients can choose appropriate management approaches such as lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgical treatment based on their specific conditions. In daily life, it is important to maintain regular eating habits and avoid overeating; chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to reduce air ingestion.

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What causes frequent flatulence?

In general, common causes of frequent flatulence include improper diet, excessive air swallowing, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should develop good eating habits, chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, reduce intake of gas-producing foods, and avoid carbonated beverages.

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What causes loss of appetite and having no desire to eat?

In general, the main causes of poor appetite and loss of appetite include emotional fluctuations, monotonous diet, chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, and pyloric obstruction. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by other discomforts, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain a positive emotional state, eat a balanced diet, and avoid long-term use of medications that irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

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What causes nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort?

In general, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort may be caused by improper diet, mental stress, acute gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia, or other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Daily precautions should include maintaining dietary hygiene, avoiding raw, cold, or spoiled foods, eating meals regularly, and avoiding overeating or binge eating.